Considered by many to be among Boxing and MMA ’s next generation of rising stars, Max “Payne” Martyniouk and his younger brother Stan “The Man” Martyniouk are making their name in both professional Boxing and MMA . The Martyniouk brothers began boxing at an early age; this gave the two brothers a head start in developing their exceptional boxing abilities. They gained self-confidence and self-discipline because of boxing, which in turn helped them excel in school and maintain an almost perfect grade point average.

The Martyniouk brothers appear to be following the successful lead of fellow Russian boxers, and brothers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, and MMA fighters Fedor & Aleksander Emilianeko. While we don’t know for sure that the Martyniouk’s will make it to the same statute as the Klitschkos and Emilianeko Brothers, we do know that Max and Stan share the same discipline, desire, and dedication that comes with being a Russian born champion.

Max “Payne” Martyniouk recently received his MMA license from the California Athletic Commission and is expected to step into the cage in early 2010 where he plans to be the next 155lb division champion. “I have always outclassed and challenged well known professional mma athletes who compete in two to three weight classes above mine” said Max. As for Max’s younger brother Stan, he remains undefeated (8-0) as a professional lightweight boxer and recently won a match on Showtime’s Super Six Tournaments. Stan holds an excellent amateur record with over 85 fights, an incredible achievement. He captured a spot on team USA in which has presented him the honor of making the 2005 World Cup team. His only loss came after a controversial decision to Russia ’s 2004 Olympic Bronze Medalist. Stan finished the year as the number 2 best lightweight in the United States and currently dominates his weight class as a pro boxer.

Max has made the decision to pursue a career in mixed martial arts while his brother Stan will continue his career in boxing. Max has been training in boxing all his life and came close to fighting professionally in 2006. “I don’t consider myself a fighter. I am an athlete. I have nothing to prove, I am completely confident in my ability to compete in the UFC , Strikeforce, Dream, and even K-1. I am only entering mma to test myself,” said Max in a recent interview.

The Russian Brothers have a very unique background. Max and Stan were born in the former Soviet Union to a professional fighter. Mr. Martyniouk encouraged his two sons to stay involved in boxing and martial arts at an early age. Mentoring the two brothers using strict training regimens to keep them focused. These were difficult times for the family. Max and Stan would spend most of their childhoods training in various gyms as the family moved from Russia to Canada , and eventually settling in California . The Martyniouk’s were forced to move from their home in Tallinn , Estonia due to political tension at the time. It was a sad and difficult time in the family’s life when they made the life changing decision to leave their house, family and friends. The family used the last of their money to purchase airline tickets to move to Peru , Chile in South America . An unexpected storm required their plane to make an emergency landing in Newfoundland , Canada . Ironically, this is where Mr. Martyniouk met one of kickboxing legends Jean “The Iceman” Yves Theriault. After the two got to know each other Jean Yves Theriault offered to train Mr. Martyniouk in Ottawa , Ontario . In an impressive win in Honolulu , Hawaii , Mr. Martyniouk got the attention of Dennis Alexio’s trainer. This is when the family made the move to Sacramento , California . “ I can remember my father having me and Stan doing push-ups in the second grade,” said Max. Max & Stan’s parents found it difficult to adapt and make a living in the United States . In those days kickboxing did not pay well. And not understanding a new language made it even harder for the parents and the two boys to maintain. Through out this the brothers learned to speak perfect English while maintaining an almost perfect grade point average in school.

The Martyniouk Brothers continue to demonstrate the talent, speed, and athleticism that come with becoming a champion. A rare find today, two gifted brothers dominating boxing and mma at a professional level.

Max "Payne" Martyniouk Mixed Martial Artist

“I don’t consider myself a fighter. I am an athlete. I have nothing to prove, I am completely confident in my ability to compete in the UFC , Strikeforce, Dream, and even K-1. I am only entering mma to test myself" - Max "Payne" Martyniouk